Greater Niagara Itinerary: Exploring Niagara Falls

Your Niagara, New York, Itinerary at a Glance

This three-day Niagara, New York, itinerary offers a blend of history, natural beauty and immersive experiences. Take a deep dive into the region’s rich history, vibrant culture and awe-inspiring landscapes during your group trip to Niagara.

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Enjoy These Great Niagara, New York, Attractions and More:

Niagara Falls State Park
The Colored Musicians Club of Buffalo
Arcade and Attica Museum
Oak Orchard Lighthouse Museum
Letchworth State Park

Day-to-Day Niagara, New York Itinerary

Day 1 of History and Landscape in New York

You’ll begin your trip at Niagara Falls State Park. Established in 1885, the over 400-acre park is the oldest state park in the United States. The breathtaking falls produce 280 tons of force with more than 3,000 tons of water flowing over every second. In addition to the astonishing views of the falls, the state park also offers more than 15 miles of hiking trails that feature the serene landscape and viewing platforms, as well as boat rides for an additional cost.

Seven minutes from Niagara Falls State Park is the Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center. Opened in 2018, the heritage center is located in the 1863 U.S. Customs House and is adjacent to the former International Suspension Bridge. The International Suspension Bridge played a pivotal role in leading enslaved people to freedom along the Underground Railroad. The bridge connected the U.S. to Canada and was a path iconic freedom fighters such as Harriet Tubman walked. The heritage center works to tell the stories of freedom seekers, educate visitors on the historic role the Niagara Falls area played and reveal modern day injustices.

The Aquarium of Niagara is located four minutes from the Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center. The aquarium is home to 120 species of aquatic life, featuring nine marine mammals who were rescued and reside permanently in the aquarium. The aquarium features interactive exhibits such as the touch pool where visitors can get hands-on interaction with sharks and stingrays. The aquarium also offers lead-the-feed where visitors can learn about the aquatic life and care they require, as well as assist with feeding species such as clownfish, Asian arowana, stingrays and more.

About 23 minutes north of the aquarium lies Old Fort Niagara, a preserved historical landmark in Youngstown. During the War of 1812, the occupation of Old Fort Niagara was crucial, as it controlled access to the Great Lakes. Today, the Fort still stands and offers guests a look into history with live history exhibits as well as historical objects and documentation. Explore the architecture and soak in the rich history as well as the beautiful coast.

About 40 minutes from the canal, the Albright-Knox Northland (AKG), known as the Buffalo AKG Art Museum stands. The building itself is a work of historic art; production began in 1900, and the original architecture still stands and houses art from all over the world. The building itself is a beautiful art-like structure, like its Augustus Saint-Gaudens’s eight caryatid figures, which was finished in 1934. The campus’s long history adds to the artistic atmosphere. Its ever-changing exhibits allow guests to see different pieces of art each visit. The museum also offers classes and tours.

The Colored Musicians Club of Buffalo is located 10 minutes from the art museum. The club is the only fully black-owned music venue in the U.S. The historical landmark and preservation site got its start in 1917, after Musicians’ Local 533, an African American musicians union, formed due to being refused by the all-white union, Local 43. The members created a social club which grew its wings on the second floor and was used for performances and rehearsals. The club is still in the original building, as well as a museum that showcases the stories of the artists who performed there in addition to interactive activities for all visitors.

About an hour east of The Colored Musicians Club of Buffalo, the Genesee Country Village and Museum sits. Founded in 1966, the recreated village sits on over 600 acres of land, featuring historically accurate buildings, gardens, interactive experiences and more. Visitors step back in time the moment they set foot in the village due to costumed interpreters and the accuracy of the village.

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Day 2 of Fun Railroad Experiences

The Medina Railroad Museum is a museum featuring a live and toy train exhibit. The toy train exhibit is the largest HO exhibit in Western New York, spanning more than 204 feet, and the largest freight depot museum in the country. The museum’s live train ride travels for special events such as the Polar Express in the winter and fall foliage tours in the fall.

Arcade and Attica Museum offers a more immersive historical railroad experience. The museum offers weekly train rides aboard their authentic, World War II-era train through the beautiful, scenic landscape of New York. Not only does the train let you take a ride through history, but the station is also built to bring on the history. Feel the magic transport you back in time and enjoy the sights and sounds along the railroad, where along the way, visitors can explore and talk to those who work on the train.

The original Oak Orchard Lighthouse Museum was built in 1871 and was a beacon that lit the way for many ships until 1916, when a storm uprooted it. The lighthouse that now stands is a replica in Point Breeze, on the east side of the Oak Orchard River. Visitors can climb to the top of the lighthouse and look over the beautiful river views.

Letchworth State Park offers travelers a sanctuary of breathtaking sights. Nicknamed the “Grand Canyon of the East,” the park features three waterfalls and 66 miles of trails for visitors to explore. Different activities are available in the park each season, such as whitewater rafting, horseback riding, skiing, snowmobiling and more. Among the trails, a mile long trail is included for visitors with autism, featuring eight sensory stations along the way.